Trinity Choir

Trinity Chapel Choir

Trinity colleges has a friendly choir that strives for excellence collectively whilst also encouraging individual members to develop their own musicality. They have a number of termly socials including Cheese and Wine evenings, trips to the college bar and an annual black tie Choir Dinner. Every Summer the choir goes on tour, usually somewhere in Europe. Recent tour destinations include Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Venice, and Vienna. These tours are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the choir’s year, offering once in a lifetime opportunities to sing in amazing venues.

The choir also makes regular visits singing services in Cathedrals and other churches around the country, as well as visiting Churchill College in Cambridge regularly to collaborate in concert. The choir has recorded 3 CDs to date, with plans for future projects.

Commitment
The main service of the week is Evensong on Sunday, which starts at 6pm in the Chapel. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. There is the occasional midweek Communion service, sung by the smaller ‘Trinity Singers’ ensemble

Who can join the choir?
They are a non-auditioning choir, and also accept members from outside the college. Excellent attendance and dedication is expected of members to ensure high quality performances. Previous experience is not necessary to but would be very helpful – if you have none but still want to join then get in touch with either organ scholar and they will invite you to a rehearsal where you can see if it’s right for you.

The top few singers in the choir are invited to join Trinity Singers, a smaller group focused on developing ensembleship and advanced repertoire. They sing midweek Communion services and Madrigals in the Summer, as well as other recitals and concerts throughout the year.

Additional Benefits
Dinner is provided free of charge after Sunday evensong. There are also a number of ‘choral exhibitions’ for members of the choir, who will be offered the opportunity of receiving professional vocal coaching from our designated professional, Joanna Campion-Watt.

Choral Scholarships
The choir currently has 4 choral scholars, but encourages all able candidates to apply since the choir may offer as many choral scholarships as the Organ Scholars deem necessary. Choral Scholars receive 6 lessons per term with Joanna Campion-Watt, the resident teacher at Trinity. Additionally, Choral Scholars receive first refusal to sing at extra events in college chapel such as weddings. Choral Scholars are auditioned from amongst the current students at Trinity. Members from other colleges are equally welcome to apply. Interested applicants may be arranged with the Senior Organ Scholar at any time and also take place in 0th week of the Michaelmas Term. Choral scholars earn a stipend of £33 per term.

Details of the Organ Scholarships:
Organ scholars are elected twice out of every three years. The organ scholars direct the chapel choir, working together to create music lists, take rehearsals, manage the library, organise tours and cathedral visits etc. They are also offered first refusal to play for other services at the chapel such as weddings. They receive an honorarium of £300 p.a. and are accommodated on main college site for all 3 years, in one of two organ scholar rooms on Garden Quad.